ADAM BARTON admits the start to his Wrexham career has not gone to plan but the midfielder hopes his performance in the Scottish Challenge Cup win against Ayr has given Bryan Hughes food for thought.

Barton joined the Reds in the summer after leaving Dundee United but the 28-year-old has only started one of the opening nine league games - the 4-2 defeat at Hartlepool on August 26 - and made a single substitute appearance.

Hughes made wholesale changes against Ayr and with Luke Summerfield and Luke Young rested, Barton came in and impressed, leaving him hoping more starts with follow.

"I came here to play games and the start has been really frustrating," said Barton. "I haven't had as much game-time as I would like.

"Hartlepool was a strange one, the manager made six changes and then back to what he had for the following game so that was quite a strange set-up.

"But all you can do when you get a chance is show what you can do and hopefully I did a bit of that on Saturday."

Barton isn't sulking because of a lack of game-time and hopes his performance against Ayr has helped play him into Hughes' plans.

"I think the two Lukes who have played the majority of the season in midfield have played really well and I rate them both very highly," said Barton.

"I understand that my time will come but not quite yet as they are doing well; even though the results have not come, single performances are good.

"Hopefully it has planted something in the manager's mind and maybe a change of system might help us get a win and maybe be involved in that."

Wrexham won 6-5 on a penalty shoot-out against Ayr after the game finished in a 1-1 draw to set-up a fourth round home tie against St Mirren Colts.

Having seen Wrexham go five league games without victory, Barton says winning was the priority rather than his own performance.

"I was happy because we got a win," said Barton.

"We haven't been getting wins and no matter what cup it was, a win is a win, especially at this moment in time for the football club.

"It was desperately needed so I was more happy on that front but I was pleased with my performance.

"I could have done some things better but overall, I was pleased."

Wrexham have endured a disappointing start to the National League season but Barton remains focussed on pushing for honours.

"I came here to try and win something," added Barton.

"The league is the main focus and that was the whole point in dropping to this level.

"I knew the quality of the squad, there are players here who I was surprised are at this level.

"But they are on the same boat as me, they want to win games and win trophies, and the club is all set up for that.

"We can't put our finger on why it is not happening at the moment."